The elbow connects the upper and lower arm, bringing the upper arm bone, the humerus and the two lower arm bones, the radius and ulna, together in a hinge joint that allows the arm to move in many different directions. Elbow and arm pain most often occurs from overuse or repetitive motion, MayoClinic.com reports, but can also occur for other reasons, including acute injury.
Dislocations
Dislocations commonly occur in young children when someone pulls on their arm, temporarily stretching the bones apart and allowing the ligament that holds the bones to each other to slip in between them. This injury, commonly called nursemaid's elbow or partial subluxation, causes the child to hold the arm still and experience pain if someone attempts to move the arm, MedlinePlus states. Medical personnel can manipulate the arm to replace the bones in the doctor's office or emergency room.
Inflammation
Inflammation of the tendons that hold bones to muscles or of the bursa, the fluid-filled spaces that cushion bones can cause pain in the arm and elbow. Repetitive motion during activities such as playing tennis causes irritation and swelling that lead to pain. Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, pitcher's elbow or golfer's elbow, medial epicondylitis and muscle strains all lead to pain from inflammation, according to MayoClinic.com. Treatment consists of rest, elevation, ice, wrapping to reduce swelling, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, Eric Chumbley, M.D. reports in an article published by "American Family Physician".
Fracture
Because the olecranon has little fat over it for protection, fracture can occur if direct force from a fall or other injury is applied to the tip, also called the olecranon. Pain, inability to move the joint, swelling, bruising and numbness or pain in the fingers commonly occur in olecranon fracture, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states. Treatment consists of placing the arm in a sling to allow it to heal, then beginning gentle movement under the care of a physical therapist after several weeks. If the bones are displaced or if pieces have broken through the skin, known as an open fracture, surgery to repair the bone is required.
Nerve Problems
Pain in the arm and elbow can result if nerves become trapped or compressed at the elbow, Chumbley notes. Radial tunnel syndrome causes pain and possibly weakness of the fingers and wrist. Ulnar nerve entrapment causes pain along the arm and numbness and tingling in the fingers, especially the ring and little fingers, leading to difficulty grasping and hand fatigue. Treatment for nerve problems at the elbow caused by overuse are similar to those for inflammation.
